Make it Fancier with Garnishes and Extra Ingredients
An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has withstood the test of time. The drink is defined as a combination of spirit(s), sugar, water and bitters. It is usually served with a twist of citrus zest or a cherry, but there are plenty of other ways to make an Old Fashioned extraordinary. Here are some ideas to help you turn your classic cocktail into a masterpiece.
Pick Your Base Spirit
The most important ingredient in any Old Fashioned is the base spirit. The most traditional spirit used is whiskey, but you can also opt for bourbon, rye, rum, brandy, gin or even vodka. For example, if you want to make your Old Fashioned extra smooth and light, then you could use vodka as your base.
Each spirit will give the cocktail a unique flavor profile and can also be used to add a unique twist on the classic drink. For example, if you are looking for a more robust and intense flavor, then rye whiskey could be used to provide a dry and spicy kick. Or, if you are looking for something a little sweeter and smoother, then bourbon or brandy may be the perfect choice.
By choosing the right base spirit, you can make your Old Fashioned extra special without having to add too many extra ingredients. This is perfect if you are looking for a quick and easy way to make your favorite cocktail even better.
Get Creative With Flavored Liqueurs or Bitters
If you are looking for something a bit more exciting, then why not try adding flavored liqueurs or bitters to your Old Fashioned? These added ingredients can help to provide depth and complexity to the cocktail, as well as a unique twist. For example, you could use coffee liqueur or orange liqueur to give the cocktail a slightly sweet, mellow flavor. Or, try adding a few drops of spicy bitters to give your Old Fashioned a kick of heat.
Garnish With Fresh Fruit
Adding fresh fruit to your Old Fashioned is another great way to mix things up and make your cocktail extraordinary. A classic choice for garnishing an Old Fashioned is a thin slice of orange. This adds a fresh citrus flavor and looks great. Another option is to muddle some fresh berries into your Old Fashioned. This will give the cocktail a sweet and fruity flavor and can look really impressive, too.
Experiment With Different Sugars or Syrups
The sugar that you use in your Old Fashioned can also be used to add a unique twist. Simple syrup is the most traditional choice, but it can be quite sweet. To add some depth to the cocktail, you could swap the simple syrup for a flavored syrup, such as maple or agave. Alternatively, you could try using a demerara sugar or a turbinado sugar. These types of sugars have a more intense flavor, which can make your Old Fashioned extra special.
Add a Splash of Fresh Juice
Adding a splash of fresh juice is a great way to add some extra flavor to your Old Fashioned and really make it extraordinary. Lemon juice, lime juice and orange juice are all popular choices, as they will help to lift the flavor of the cocktail and brighten up the drink. You could also try using cranberry juice or pineapple juice to give your Old Fashioned a unique flavor and make it more exciting.
Conclusion
An Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, but there are plenty of ways to make this classic cocktail extraordinary. From picking the perfect base spirit to adding extra ingredients, there are lots of ways to make your Old Fashioned unique. The key is to experiment and have fun, as there are so many possibilities for making a truly special drink.
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